In a previous article, we have given you an idea of what benefits and privileges you can avail of as a senior citizen in the Philippines. Getting your senior citizen ID is vital for hassle-free transactions in establishments required to provide you with these discounts and benefits. Don’t worry; getting one at the Office of the Senior Citizen’s Affairs (OSCA) is fast and easy. Related: How to Avail of PhilHealth Discount and Benefits for Senior Citizen
For you to be eligible for the ID card, you must be a senior citizen, which means you must be:
Before going to the Office of the Senior Citizen’s Affairs (OSCA), make sure you have with you the following requirements:
1. Duly accomplished application form issued by the OSCA.
2. Three pieces of recent 1×1 ID photographs (some areas require 2×2 ID pictures, so verify with your OSCA before going to their office). The ID photos are intended for the application form and purchase booklets.
3. Photocopy of PSA Birth Certificate or any valid ID showing the applicant’s birth date and address, such as
Note: Documentary requirements may differ depending on the city or municipality. In some areas, both the Birth Certificate and valid ID are required, and if there’s no valid ID available, two proofs of billing or mail under the applicant’s name may be accepted by the OSCA. Other areas, like Naga City, are even stricter. In addition to the Birth Certificate and valid ID, applicants must submit a Barangay Certificate of Residency and a photocopy of the Voter’s ID/Voter’s Certification/COMELEC Registration. Therefore, please inquire at your local OSCA via its social media page or over the phone about the requirements before proceeding to the office.
4. Authorization Letter, if the applicant can’t personally apply (especially for bedridden senior citizens). The Letter of Authorization must indicate the name of the applicant and the authorized representative, the applicant’s relationship with the representative, and the reason/s for such authorization.
The office is usually found in the municipal or city hall of your town/city.
Details required are usually:
The process depends on the municipality or city, but you will usually get it in less than an hour (or a maximum of five working days).
Yes, the senior citizen ID card is valid throughout the country.
Yes, you still can. With the absence of your senior citizen card, you may present any of the following proof of identification instead:
*Passport;
*Government-issued ID indicating your age or date of birth, such as driver’s license, voter’s ID, SSS/GSIS ID, PRC Card, or Postal ID;
*Other valid documents that establish you are a citizen of the Philippines and at least sixty (60) years old.
It is free. However, some cities and municipalities charge a fee (PHP 100) when you request to replace a mutilated/lost Senior Citizen ID.
You can visit the OSCA in the city or municipality where you reside and obtain a replacement card. The documents required and the process are as follows:
Submit two copies of the Affidavit of Loss.
Submit two copies of the Police or Barangay Report.
Submit the duly accomplished Lost/Replacement Form issued by OSCA.
Pay the ID replacement fee if required.
No, the Senior Citizen ID has no expiration date. It is valid forever and may only be replaced when lost or mutilated. It remains valid even if the ID is already worn out.
However, the OSCA may occasionally update the design of the Senior Citizen ID, in which case members will be encouraged to apply for a new one. Note that this replacement is encouraged but not mandatory; the old version of the Senior Citizen ID will still be honored.
Yes, government and private establishments recognize the Senior Citizen ID as a valid ID. You can use it to apply for a Philippine passport, a driver’s license, and other essential transactions requiring a valid government-issued ID.
Last Updated May 3, 2024 10:27 AM
Kareen Lucero is a lawyer previously doing litigation before working for different agencies in the government and for a multinational corporation. She has traveled to 52+ countries including a 3-month solo backpacking in South East Asia and more than 1 year of solo traveling across four continents in the world. As part of giving back, she is passionate about sharing her knowledge of law and travel. She is currently doing consulting work for a government agency. For inquiries, you may reach her via Facebook Messenger (https://m.me/kareen.lucero.77) or email ([email protected]).
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